Carleton Knights

Benjamin Thies joined the Carleton College volleyball coaching staff as an assistant coach in August 2026, bringing nearly two decades of coaching experience at the high school and club levels to the Knights. 

Thies brings an extensive background in player development, scouting, and skill instruction, with experience coaching athletes across all positions. His coaching philosophy emphasizes high expectations, clear communication, attention to detail, and developing student-athletes both on and off the court. 

Since 2022, Thies has served as an assistant coach with Northern Lights Volleyball Club, spending three seasons with the 15-1 team and one season with the 15-2 team. During his time with Northern Lights, he has assisted with opponent scouting and game planning while working closely with servers, middles, and setters. His club coaching experience includes teams that have competed at the highest levels nationally, including a fifth-place finish in the 17 Open division at the Girls Junior National Championships. 

Prior to joining Northern Lights, Thies spent 11 seasons with Minnesota Select Volleyball Club from 2011-22, serving two seasons as a head coach and nine as an assistant coach. He began his coaching career at DeLaSalle High School, where he served as an assistant volleyball coach from 2008-12. 

Thies has also worked extensively within the collegiate volleyball community as a summer camp coach. Since 2018, he has coached camps at North Dakota State University, Montana State University, and the University of Minnesota. In those roles, he has provided skill instruction for setters, middles, pin hitters, and defensive specialists while working with athletes across a wide range of ages and experience levels. 

Away from the court, Thies has spent more than 15 years as an educator and currently teaches at Westview Elementary School in Apple Valley, Minn. His background in education complements his coaching philosophy and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes while supporting Carleton's emphasis on academic excellence. 

Thies earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 2008, double majoring in Spanish Studies and Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. He later earned a master's degree in education from Minnesota in 2010 and completed additional K-6 elementary education licensure at Hamline University in 2014. 

Away from the gym, Thies calls Apple Valley, Minn., home, where he lives with his husband, Ben, and their dog, Keith.